Martial arts training device

ABSTRACT

A martial arts training device for use during training and/or sparring is disclosed. The device includes a chest protector for covering at least a portion of a user&#39;s torso. One or more shock sensors are disposed in the chest protector for detecting a contact made to the chest protector. A control unit is in communication with one or more of the shock sensors. The device may include a display unit for displaying a score representing quantity of contacts detected by one or more of the shock sensors. The device may include an output device, such as a sound emitter for emitting a sound to indicate the contact has been made to the chest protector. A power supply is provided in the martial arts training device for supplying power to one or more of the shock sensor(s), the control unit, the output device, and/or the display unit.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/445,768 filed on Feb. 23, 2011 and entitled “MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING DEVICE,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This description relates generally to a chest protector for martial arts training and competitive sparring.

BACKGROUND

Conventional martial arts chest protectors are generally made of padded material so that they can be worn to protect the user's body from physical contact. A conventional chest protector has front torso and side torso covering members, and shoulder straps. The shoulder straps can be tied together such that the chest protector covers the torso of the user. Traditional chest protectors generally have colored portions to differentiate two opponents from each other during competition sparring. The chest protector is sized and configured to allow the user the freedom to move, kick, and punch freely.

Conventional chest protectors are generally used during competitive sparring. During competitive sparring, traditionally, judges watch for competitors to get a clean hit to scoring areas of the chest protector. While this method has been used for many years, there has been controversy over scoring because of human error or the judges' subjectivity as to determining whether a clean hit to a scoring area of the chest protector has been made or not.

When training with traditional chest protectors, the only way a person knows if he/she hit the opponent wearing the traditional chest protector hard enough to register a point is to see visual feedback in terms of the opponent getting injured or for an instructor to comment on the power level of the person's kick or punch. Thus, the feedback regarding the punch and/or kick is provided by a person, either by the opponent's subjective opinion and/or by a third person, such as the instructor, who uses his/her expertise to make the subjective judgment.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed towards a martial arts training device. An embodiment of the martial arts training device includes a chest protector to be worn during use as a martial arts training aid. An embodiment of the martial arts training device comprises a center member, a left-side member, and a right-side member, connected together and configured to be worn for covering a portion of a human torso. An embodiment of the martial arts training device includes a shock sensor disposed at the center member, a sound emitter connected to the shock sensor, and a power supply connected to the shock sensor and the sound emitter for supplying power to the shock sensor and the sound emitter, such that when the shock sensor detects a contact made at the center member, the sound emitter emits sound to indicate that the contact has been made to the center member.

An embodiment of the martial arts training device includes a light emitter connected to the shock sensor, the power supply connected to the light emitter for supplying power to the light emitter, wherein when the shock sensor detects the contact made at the center member, the light emitter emits light to indicate that the contact has been made to the center member.

An embodiment of the martial arts training device includes a control unit, a display unit connected to the control unit, the power supply configured for supplying power to the control unit and the display unit, wherein the control unit stores a score representing quantity of contacts detected by the shock sensor, and wherein the display unit displays the score.

An embodiment of the martial arts training device includes a second shock sensor disposed at the left-side member, a third shock sensor disposed at the right-side member, the sound emitter connected to the second shock sensor and the third shock sensor. The power supply is connected to the second shock sensor and the third shock sensor for supplying power to the second shock sensor and the third shock sensor, wherein when the second shock sensor detects a contact made at the left-side member, the sound emitter emits sound to indicate that the contact has been made to the left-side member, and when the third shock sensor detects a contact made at the right-side member, the sound emitter emits sound to indicate that the contact has been made to the right-side member.

An embodiment of the martial arts training device includes a control unit, a display unit connected to the control unit, and the power supply configured for supplying power to the control unit and the display unit, wherein the control unit stores a score representing quantity of contacts detected by one of the shock sensor, the second shock sensor, and the third shock sensor, and wherein the display unit displays the score.

An embodiment of the martial arts training device for a chest protector includes plurality of shock sensors for being disposed in the chest protector for detecting a contact made to the chest protector. The embodiment of the martial arts training device includes a control unit in communication with the shock sensors, a light emitter in communication with the control unit for emitting light when at least one of the shock sensors is activated, and a power supply connected to the shock sensors, the control unit, and the light emitter for supplying power to the shock sensors, the control unit, and the light emitter.

An embodiment of the martial arts training device includes a sound emitter for emitting a sound when at least one of the shock sensors is activated, and the power supply connected to the sound emitter for supplying power to the sound emitter.

An embodiment of the shock sensor includes a cylindrical hollow tube conductor, a central rod disposed at a center of an axis of the cylindrical hollow tube conductor, the central rod held in position by an insulating material disposed between the central rod and the cylindrical hollow tube conductor, and the central rod and the cylindrical hollow tube conductor, each are wired and connected to the control unit, when sufficient pressure is provided to the cylindrical hollow tube conductor is moved so that the cylindrical hollow tube conductor makes electrical contact with the central rod to activate the shock sensor.

An embodiment of the martial arts training device includes the chest protector for covering at least a portion of a user's torso, wherein the shock sensors are disposed in the chest protector, and the light emitter is disposed at a center member of the chest protector, the light emitter configured to be viewable from both front and back of the chest protector.

An embodiment of the martial arts training device includes a chest protector for covering at least a portion of a user's torso, wherein the shock sensors are disposed in the chest protector, and the display unit is disposed at a front outer member of the chest protector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an internal view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment.

FIG. 6A shows a side cut-away view of an embodiment of a shock sensor.

FIG. 6B shows a front cut-away view of a portion of the shock sensor shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a control unit.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a sound emitter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to an embodiment of the martial arts training device, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a martial arts training device 10 includes a chest protector 100 that has a front protective member 101, a left-side protective member 102, a right-side protective member 103, a left-side shoulder strap 104, and a right-side shoulder strap 105. The chest protector 100 may be reversibly worn. The chest protector 100 may include a design element, such as colored front protective member 101, left-side protective member 102, and/or right-side protective member 103. The design element may be or include symbols and/or marks on one or more of the protective members 101, 102, 103.

The front protective member 101 is adapted to cover a user's front torso from above the waist to below the neck. The left and right-side protective members 102, 103 are connected to the front protective member 101 and wrap around the left and right sides of the user's torso, respectively. The left and right-side protective members 102, 103 can have flexible strap members (not shown) which can be used to tie the two sides 102, 103 together. The left and right-side protective members 102, 103 can have other configurations, such as Velcro, which can be used to connect the two side members 102, 103 together at the back of the user. The left and right shoulder straps 104, 105 wrap over the shoulders of the user and have flexible strap members 106, 107 extend past the lower back so that it can be tied to loop members (not shown) of the left and right-side protective members 102, 103. The chest protector 100 may be reversible, meaning that the loop members or other configurations for connecting the two side members 102, 103 together at the back of the user are on both the front side and the back side of the chest protector 100. However, the two side members 102, 103 of the chest protector 100 may have different design components (different color, emblems, patches, symbols, etc.).

The embodiment of the martial arts training device 10 includes a sound emitter 110, a light emitter 120, and a power supply 130. The light emitter 120 is viewable from both front and back of the chest protector 100, such that when the chest protector 100 is worn reversibly, the light emitter 120 is still viewable. The chest protector 100 has at least one hole for each of the front and back sides of the chest protector 100 at the location of the sound emitter 110, to allow sound emitted from the sound emitter 110 can be heard more readily.

FIG. 2 shows plurality of shock sensors 140 for being disposed in a padding 142 of the chest protector 100. The shock sensors 140 are for detecting a contact made to the chest protector. The light emitter 120 is in communication with the shock sensors 140. The power supply 130 is connected to the light emitter 120, the shock sensors 140, and the sound emitter 110.

The power supply 130 may be a removable battery or batteries. For example, the power supply 130 may be a housing unit for a battery or batteries. For example, the power supply 130 may be a housing for three 1.5 volt batteries. For example, the power supply 130 may be a housing for a single 9 volt battery. An embodiment of the power supply 130 includes a power switch for turning the martial arts training device 10 on and/or off, wherein when the power switch is off, the other components of the martial arts training device 10 do not receive power from the power supply 130.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a martial arts training device 30 for a chest protector. The martial arts training device 30 is configured to be disposed inside the chest protector. The martial arts training device 30 includes a shock sensor 302 for being disposed in the chest protector for detecting a contact made to the chest protector. The shock sensor 302 may be disposed at one of the members of the chest protector. The shock sensor 302 may be disposed in or around a padding of the chest protector. The shock sensor 302 is connected to and in communication with a light emitter 304. A sound emitter 306 is connected to and in communication with the shock sensor 302. The martial arts training device 30 includes a power supply 308 configured for supplying power to the shock sensor 302, the light emitter 304, and the sound emitter 306.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a martial arts training device 40 for a chest protector. The martial arts training device 40 is configured to be disposed inside the chest protector. The martial arts training device 40 includes a center shock sensor 401, a left-side shock sensor 402, and a right-side shock sensor 403. The center shock sensor 401 is for being disposed in the center member of the chest protector for detecting a contact made to the center member of the chest protector. The left-side shock sensor 402 is for being disposed in the left-side member of the chest protector for detecting a contact made to the left-side member of the chest protector. The right-side shock sensor 403 is for being disposed in the right-side member of the chest protector for detecting a contact made to the right-side member of the chest protector. The shock sensors 401, 402, 403 are connected to and in communication with the light emitter 304. The sound emitter 306 is connected to and in communication with the shock sensors 401, 402, 403. The martial arts training device 40 includes a power supply 308 configured for supplying power to the shock sensors 401, 402, 403, the light emitter 304, and the sound emitter 306.

FIG. 5 shows another schematic diagram of an embodiment of a martial arts training device 50 for a chest protector. The martial arts training device 50 is configured to be disposed inside the chest protector. The martial arts training device 50 includes a plurality of shock sensors 502 for being disposed in the chest protector for detecting a contact made to the chest protector. For example, the martial arts training device 50 shows seven shock sensors 502 for being positioned around a torso of a user, when the chest protector with the martial arts training device 50 disposed therein is worn by the user. The shock sensors 502 are for being disposed at various locations at the center, left-side, and right-side members of the chest protector. The shock sensors 502 may be disposed in or around a padding of the chest protector. The shock sensors 502 are connected to and in communication with the light emitter 304. The sound emitter 306 is connected to and in communication with the shock sensors 502. The martial arts training device 50 includes a power supply 308 configured for supplying power to the shock sensors 502, the light emitter 304, and the sound emitter 306.

FIG. 6A shows a side cut-away view of an embodiment of a shock sensor 60. The shock sensor 60 includes a central rod 602 along the axis of the shock sensor 60. The central rod 602 is disposed at or near the axial center of a cylindrical hollow tube conductor 604. The central rod and an inner surface 606 of the cylindrical hollow tube conductor 604 are electrically conductive.

FIG. 6B shows a cut-away front view of a portion of the shock sensor 60. The central rod 602 being at the axial center of the cylindrical hollow tube conductor 604, wherein the distance “d” is the same in a radial direction from the axial center to the inner surface 606 of the cylindrical hollow tube conductor 604.

Returning to FIG. 6A, the central rod 602 and cylindrical hollow tube conductor 604 are held in position by an insulating material 608. The central rod 602, the cylindrical hollow tube conductor 604, and the insulating material 608 are disposed in an outer protective tube 610. The outer protective tube may be made of a plastic material. The outer protective tube 610 should be elastic, such that it can be deformed due to pressure and return to its original shape. The central rod 602 is connected to a wire 612 at a junction 614. The cylindrical hollow tube conductor 604 is connected to another wire 616 via a connection junction 618. When sufficient pressure is provided to the protective tube 610, the protective tube 610 is elastically deformed and the cylindrical hollow tube conductor 604 is also deformed and/or moved so that the cylindrical hollow tube conductor's conductive inner surface 606 makes electrical contact with the central rod 602.

In an embodiment, the electrical contact between the conductive inner surface 606 and the central rod 602 completes a circuit and this completed circuit is detected by a control unit and the control unit stores into a memory this information as a numerical value. The control unit may sum the numerical value and store that value to memory. The control unit may display the value to a display unit. For example, the value may be a score made by an opponent during a martial arts match. The display unit may be a plurality of LED lights, such that the number of LED lights that are on is the number of contacts detected by the one or more of the shock sensor(s).

In an embodiment, the electrical contact between the conductive inner surface 606 and the central rod 602 completes a circuit and this completed circuit functions as a switch for completing the circuit for an output device.

For example, the completed circuit due to the contact between the central rod 602 and the cylindrical hollow tube conductor's inner surface 606 functions as a switch for completing the circuit for the sound emitter so that sound is emitted from the sound emitter.

For example, the completed circuit due to the contact between the central rod 602 and the cylindrical hollow tube conductor's inner surface 606 functions as a switch for completing the circuit for the light emitter so that light is emitted from the light emitter.

For example, the completed circuit due to the contact between the central rod 602 and the cylindrical hollow tube conductor's inner surface 606 functions as a switch for completing the circuit for the sound emitter and the light emitter so that sound is emitted from the sound emitter and light is emitted from the light emitter.

An example of the cylindrical hollow tube conductor 604 is a spring. In an example, the spring is a conductor. In another example, the spring includes a conductor in the inner surface 606 facing the central rod. The size of the spring determines the amount of pressure required to make the contact between the central rod 602 and the inner surface 606 of the cylindrical hollow tube conductor 604.

Another example of a shock sensor is an air pressure sensor. The air pressure sensor can comprise at least one air bag connected to an air inlet valve and an air outlet valve. The airbag can be configured on various parts of the front and left and right protective members of the chest protector so that the when the air bag is depressed, a stream of air is released from the air outlet valve to the switch. The switch would function to complete the circuit as described above for output devices, such as the sound emitter and/or the light emitter. The air inlet valve may be configured to be adjustable so that the pressure of the air bag may be adjusted according to the user's needs. The adjustment of the valve may be through a screw.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the light emitter 70, which may be incorporated into any of the embodiments of the marital arts training device disclosed herein. The light emitter 70 includes a housing 700 that houses a circuit forming the control unit 702 for controlling LED lights 704, 706. The LED lights 704, 706 allow for the light emitter 70 to function as a score display component. When none of the LED lights 704, 706 are on, the score is zero. When one of the LED lights 704, 706 is on, the score is one. When both of the LED lights 704, 706 are on, the score is two.

In another embodiment, the score display component may be a LED display device. The score display component, for example, may be an electronic paper display device. The score display component, for example, may be a series of LEDs arranged and/or configured to display a number. The score display component is sufficiently protected to endure the use of the training device, for example, sufficiently protected to continue functioning even after receiving a punch and/or a kick thereto. The score display component is in communication with the control unit 702, which includes a processor and a memory. The processor calculates communicates to the memory and memory stores the score thereon. The display device displays the score.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the sound emitter 80, which may be incorporated into any of the embodiments of the marital arts training device disclosed herein. The sound emitter 80 includes a front speaker 802 and a rear speaker 804. The front speaker is disposed near the hole at the front side of the chest protector. The rear speaker is disposed near the hole at the rear side of the chest protector. The chest protector's front and back holes at the location of the sound emitter 80 allow sound emitted from the sound emitter 80 to be heard more readily.

The martial arts training device disclosed herein can increase motivation of students by providing immediate feedback to the student's kicks and/or punches. The martial arts training device can help students control the power of a punch and/or kick. The level of power in the contact to the martial arts training device necessary to register a point can be tuned in the martial arts training device. The adjustment of the power can be based on the age and/or experience level of the user and/or opponent. Further, the feedback provided as sound and/or light may be adjusted as needed based on the user and/or opponent's age(s) and/or experience level(s). For example, the martial arts training device may be configured for younger and/or newer users such that even a weak punch and/or kick may still register as a point. The martial arts training device allows the user to get feedback about their kicks and punches when he/she strike a martial arts training device worn by another user. The martial arts training device can be a great source of entertainment as kids and adults can have fun with the light and/or sound feedback(s) emitted from the martial arts training device. Further, because of the immediate feedback provided by the martial arts training device, the martial arts training device can help students improve their technique and accuracy as they can immediately see and/or hear what kinds of kicks and punches register as a “point.” Further, the martial arts training device can provide objective feedback to the instructor and help the instructor track a student's progress with objectively provided data by the martial arts training device. The martial arts training device provides the instructor with visual and/or audible feedback regarding the student's strikes and/or kicks.

Preferred embodiments have been described. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed and disclosed, including the full scope of equivalents thereof. 

1. A martial arts training device, comprising: a center member, a left-side member, and a right-side member, connected together and configured to be worn for covering a portion of a human torso; a shock sensor disposed at the center member; a sound emitter connected to the shock sensor; and a power supply connected to the shock sensor and the sound emitter for supplying power to the shock sensor and the sound emitter, wherein when the shock sensor detects a contact made at the center member, the sound emitter emits sound to indicate that the contact has been made to the center member.
 2. The martial arts training device according to claim 1, further comprising a light emitter connected to the shock sensor, the power supply connected to the light emitter for supplying power to the light emitter, wherein when the shock sensor detects the contact made at the center member, the light emitter emits light to indicate that the contact has been made to the center member.
 3. The martial arts training device according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit; and a display unit connected to the control unit, the power supply configured for supplying power to the control unit and the display unit, wherein the control unit stores a score representing quantity of contacts detected by the shock sensor, wherein the display unit displays the score.
 4. The martial arts training device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second shock sensor disposed at the left-side member; and a third shock sensor disposed at the right-side member, the sound emitter connected to the second shock sensor and the third shock sensor, the power supply connected to the second shock sensor and the third shock sensor for supplying power to the second shock sensor and the third shock sensor, wherein when the second shock sensor detects a contact made at the left-side member, the sound emitter emits sound to indicate that the contact has been made to the left-side member, wherein when the third shock sensor detects a contact made at the right-side member, the sound emitter emits sound to indicate that the contact has been made to the right-side member.
 5. The martial arts training device according to claim 4, further comprising: a control unit; and a display unit connected to the control unit, the power supply configured for supplying power to the control unit and the display unit, wherein the control unit stores a score representing quantity of contacts detected by one of the shock sensor, the second shock sensor, and the third shock sensor, wherein the display unit displays the score.
 6. A martial arts training device for a chest protector, comprising: plurality of shock sensors for being disposed in the chest protector for detecting a contact made to the chest protector; a control unit in communication with the shock sensors; a light emitter in communication with the control unit for emitting light when at least one of the shock sensors is activated; and a power supply connected to the shock sensors, the control unit, and the light emitter for supplying power to the shock sensors, the control unit, and the light emitter.
 7. The martial arts training device according to claim 6, further comprising: a sound emitter for emitting a sound when at least one of the shock sensors is activated, the power supply connected to the sound emitter for supplying power to the sound emitter.
 8. The martial arts training device according to claim 6, wherein each of the shock sensors include: a cylindrical hollow tube conductor; and a central rod disposed at a center of an axis of the cylindrical hollow tube conductor, the central rod held in position by an insulating material disposed between the central rod and the cylindrical hollow tube conductor; the central rod and the cylindrical hollow tube conductor, each are wired and connected to the control unit, when sufficient pressure is provided to the cylindrical hollow tube conductor is moved so that the cylindrical hollow tube conductor makes electrical contact with the central rod to activate the shock sensor.
 9. The martial arts training device according to claim 6, further comprising: the chest protector for covering at least a portion of a user's torso, wherein the shock sensors are disposed in the chest protector, and the light emitter is disposed at a center member of the chest protector, the light emitter configured to be viewable from both front and back of the chest protector. 